Contributed by Farmington Historical Society
Description
This map shows the original design for Abbott Park that was built by The Abbott School in Farmington. The park was initiated by Jacob Abbott soon after the school started, and completed by A.H. Abbott (no relation) during his tenure at the school.
One of the most ambitious projects was a railroad built on the property. It consisted of a double wooden track running from behind the school down to and across the brook; the little cars ran by gravity. The purpose of this railroad escapes reason – perhaps it was just for fun. It remained in usage in the park for a while until (legend has it), the headmaster was riding in the train and fell out, declaring it unsafe and ordering it to be removed immediately.
A. H. Abbott finished the “mountain” of sand that Jacob had started on the property, built bridges modeled after famous bridges throughout the world, added shrubs and trees creating a virtual arboretum on the 10 acres of the school grounds. The “mountain” became known as Little Blue, shaped like Mt. Blue located in Weld, which could be seen in the distance.
Rollo Pond (southwest corner of the map) is still in existence today along with the four unique bridges made of stone. Some of the trails are still in existence, though there are no markers indicating the playful names from the original design. "Little Blue" was leveled when a new building and parking lot were built on the University of Maine Farmington (UMF) campus. Abbott Park is located on the southern end of UMF campus, just east of Hippach Field.
About This Item
- Title: Abbott Park Map
- Location: Farmington, Franklin County, ME
- Object Type: Image
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Farmington Historical SocietyPO Box 575, Farmington, ME 04938
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